October 2018
Issue 51
Black Celebrating 31 Women in
History Month
Margaret Bushby Ebony Rainford-Brent Selena Carty Eniola Aluko Margaret Casely-Hayford Jessica Huntley Carmen Munroe Wendy Lewis Mollineau Patricia Gullan Janet Browne Doreen Lawrence Yolanda Brown Mary Seacole Valerie Amos Bertha Joseph Rianna Scipio Dianne Abbott Claudia Jones Patricia Scotland Sade Beverly Knight Janet Kay Naomi Campbell Michelle Yaa assentawa Gloria Cummins Brenda Emanus Marcia McLaughlin Angela Cox Anne Fridal Debra Romain- Eden Sanchia Alasia
1
CONTENTS Malawi Proposed ID Cards
6
Venezuela’s Exodus to Colombia
8
Big Hip Controversy
11
Volunteer with LBWF Borough of Culture
11
Production and concept: D.T. Kalloo
Culturepulse is designed and produced by Cashewmedia Ltd and published online through www.issuu.com
Celebrating 31 Women in Black History Month 12 Miss T&T UK 2018
17
Helen Bermingham – Artist
25
Copyright 2018 Views and comments expressed by contributors are not necessary those of Culturepulse or Cashewmedia Ltd but of the author/s.
For all enquiries, please contact: 07738864335
Remembrance…What to remember? Why we need to remember? Mixing it.
26
Africa’s Baby Boom
27
cashewmedialtd@gmail.com Culturepulse list of contributors in making the magazine a success. Natalie Alicia Dookie, Lyndon Brathwaite, Ansel Wong, David Wears, Chris Boothman, Nasser Khan, Malaika Crichlow, Amos Armstrong, Soshina Stephen, David Rudder, Jimmy Kainja, Paul Ade, Akilah Holder-Stewart, Michael La Rose, Dr Michelle Yaa, Dr Juanita CoxWestmaas, Dianne A Kalloo, Shabaka Thompson, Ron Ramdin, Rhianna Kalloo, Angelique, Dorothy Scott, Memory Pincheck, Erica Williams-Connell, Darren Lewis, Tessa Robinson, Cindy Mollineau, Omardath Maharaj,
Selena Carty, Alison Bajaican, Mahalia Mayne, Afridiziak, Ron Ramdin, Caroline Muraldo, Selena Carty and Nestor Sullivan.
Member
2
3
Why do I have to represent a whole race when I just want to represent me?’ The Incident is a new play by Swedish playwright Joakim Daun that tackles belonging, migration, racism and power through an intimate love story spanning Sweden and Zimbabwe. *****“Powerful, relevant, controversial, open-ended.” – Audience Member – National Arts Festival, South Africa
Book now: The Albany's Canada Water Studios | 16-19 October at 19.30 4
Book now: Poplar Union | 21 October at 15.00
Editorial The coming of autumn brings with it not just the changing colours of the landscape around us, it also heralds the annual Black History Month. For three decades the event showcasing the history and achievements of the African/Caribbean community. The Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs expressed that “This celebration provides a wonderful opportunity for…all ages and interest to engage with the richness of Black and African Caribbean arts, culture and history.”
education and implementing relevant content into the national curriculum so that Black history is not compartmentalised to the African Caribbean community. And, in the words of the Prime Minister, “Britain can truly become a country that works for everyone.”
D. Kalloo Editor
This year also marks the 70th anniversary of Windrush. There are several events planned in conjunction with Windrush generation. What is great to see is a shift away from highlighting the connection of Blacks with slavery and focusing on the achievements by those in the African and Caribbean community and more so, paying tribute to those who are still alive. This is in no way sweeping under the carpet the atrocities of slavery. The Prime Minister, Theresa May in a statement addressing Black History Month said “…in every walk of life, from business to politics, sport to culture, there are African and African Caribbean men and women whose achievements are not just making our country a better place but inspiring others to following their footsteps to even greater success.” Lord Ouseley on reflection recalls that “I was uninformed and ignorant about historic Black presence and contributions to Great Britain. I had to learn quickly about the facts of bias, misinformation, prejudice, racism and, discrimination and exclusion.” As we mark 30 years of Black History Month and reflect on the contributions of the African Caribbean people it is important that we continue to focus on 5
Malawi: The Problem with its Proposed National ID Cards Malawi government has been running adverts in the local press announcing its pilot phase for national identity cards. This is a plausible move given that without IDs, it is utterly impossible for one to justify that they’re indeed Malawian. Birth certificates are not yet universal – those who want one have to pay for it but a significant majority of the citizenry don’t have it.
need them and the country needs them even more. Rumours of foreigners, mostly Mozambicans and Zambians, coming to vote in Malawian elections are always there. This only happens because the registration exercise is prone to abuse, owing to the fact that Malawians have no means of really identifying themselves. In fledging democracies like Malawi, such rumors can bring chaos and disorder, especially since almost every election is disputed one way or the other
The small percentage of Malawians who have national passports and driver’s licenses depend on these for an ID. Increasingly, Malawians have been using voter certificate cards as ID for services like opening bank accounts. Yet for one to get a voting certificate they also need an ID. Given that most Malawians don’t have one – people need a second person as a witness in order to register as a voter and earn the voting card.
All this emphasises the importance of the national IDs. Yet, as currently proposed, the national IDs have serious shortfalls. Government has decided to impose an expiration date on this important document. These will come with a fee, perhaps a fine if the fee is once off. If one will have to pay a fee whenever they need to renew their IDs, this will inevitably price out a majority of Malawians, many of whom are already struggling to make a living. As important as these IDs are, they cannot be a priority for a significant majority of the population. According to The Hunger Project: “Though Malawi’s economy is steadily improving, the country still faces extreme poverty, with more than 50% of the population currently living below the poverty line.” Currently almost half of the country’s estimated 17 million people are facing food shortages. Others have equated hunger to a “war silently killing Malawi.”
During a voter registration exercise for the country’s 2014 tripartite elections, there were numerous stories, some verified, some not, that there were people registering only so they could get the voting card for their ID. This stresses the need for the national IDs; people
6
The economic situation in Malawi makes the national IDs issue an economic issue. If it is to be effective, the country’s economic situation needs to be factored in. Malawi is a country of rich and poor, both classes ought to benefit from national programmes, fairly. One of the ways of achieving this is to make the national IDs a one-off payment scheme, without expiration dates – it is not a government fundraising scheme after all. Having an expiration date on these IDs defeats the whole point of the project, because those who need it most, poor Malawians, will inevitably be priced out. Priced out not only of access to the IDs but also out of the most essential services such as bank loans, health services and possibly other national such as farming subsidies and receiving foodstuffs like those currently facing hunger. Malawi cannot be a country for rich people only.
Show your respects for our War Heroes.
Jimmy Kainja Photo courtesy Malawi ID Cards
www.blackpoppyrose.org info@blackpoppyrose.org
Jimmy Kainja is a lecturer, teaching media and communications at University of Malawi, Chancellor College. He is also a blogger focusing on political, cultural and social justice issues. He blogs at https://kainjasite.wordpress.com. Twitter handle: @jkainja.
7
Venezuela’s Exodus to Colombia When we think of mass migration we often think of places ravaged by war or famine, places such as Africa, eastern Europe and Asia. However, recently an exodus by desperate Venezuelans have become cause for concern for Colombia and neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago. The director of Human Rights Watch in the Americas, Jose Miguel Vivanco said “We are talking about thousands and, at this point, millions of Venezuelans who have been forced to leave their country.”
migrants from Venezuela. In Peru it is estimated that over 437,000 have arrived there and the numbers continue with almost 1,300 arriving each day. Latin American nations recently signed a Declaration of Quito, agreeing to relax entry requirements for migrants. President Maduro in response to the growing problem says 600,000 Venezuelans have left and many regret it claiming they should stop cleaning toilets in Miami and return home. Many Venezuelans are outraged at President Maduro after he and his wife dined at an Istanbul restaurant serving $100 rib-eyed steaks while half of Venezuela are fleeing in hunger. After having his meal President Maduro said. “This is a once in a lifetime moment.” The US has imposed new sanctions against Venezuela as oil production plummets and inflation and shortages skyrocket it is unlikely the that sanctions will do any good. Venezuela has a divided opposition and a loyal military to Maduro which enhances is stronghold on his presidency.
It is estimated that that of the 2.3 million Venezuelans in the country at least 7 per cent have fled due to the imploding economy and hyper-inflation. President Nicolas Maduro government have shown no coherent signs of either relinquishing power or finding a solution to the country’s malnourished economy. In an attempt to ease the burden on the Colombian border crisis Washington has sent a hospital ship to Colombia to treat Venezuelan migrants.
D.Kalloo Photo courtesy Getty Images
Colombian authorities believe it is not an option to close its borders to Venezuela claiming, it would only trap Venezuelans inside their failing state and, it would be practically impossible as its 1,370 miles of frontier is covered in dense undergrowth. The inter-American Development has estimated that Colombia will need $1.6bn a year to respond to the influx of 8
9
10
Big Hip Controversy
Volunteer at the Borough of Culture 2019
A recent controversial study conducted by British scientists found that women with wide hips were easier to get than those with small hips.
The London Borough of Waltham Forest celebrates the Borough of Culture in 2019. The borough is currently volunteering to join its Legends of the Forest volunteer scheme. More than 600 people have already signed up to the scheme, some of whom took part in the launch of the scheme last month at the borough’s Town Hall on Forest Road.
The average age of the 148 women who took part in the study was 18-26 with each of the women having had at least one sexual partner. Hips wider than 36 centimetres were considered wide while those 31 and under small. The study found that women with wide hips were
Council leader Claire Coghill said: “Volunteering is such a rewarding and amazing experience. This is a genuine opportunity to help and take part in our year of culture. We want as many people to get involved and apply to be part of this incredible experience.” The borough aims to offer three strands of volunteering which would best utilise time, skills and interest. There will be opportunities for those Happy to help where volunteers will receive basic training about the borough’s programme as well as customer services, communication and security. Skills development will provide the opportunity to develop key skills and experiences to further fulfil your aspirations and career development through Adult Learning and Employability Services with links to apprenticeship. Providing expertise will allow those with special skills to donate time and share their special skills through mentoring young people and those aspiring to creative industries.
more likely to have one-night-stands and more than one sexual partner. According to the research published by the Archive of Sexual Behaviour the birth process for women with wider hips are less traumatic than those with smallerhipped women. However, there are doubts over the accuracy of the study. LiveScience reported that ‘the measurements used aren’t a good indication of women having difficulty giving birth’ citing also that the limited population study could skew the results.
For further information about volunteering please visit: wfculture19.co.uk or follow on social media @wfculture19 11
Celebrating 31 Women in Black History Month 2018 Black History Month have been observed in Britain for over 3 decades. As we enter the forth decade Culturepulse would like to pay tribute to 31 women who has contributed to British society through various fields and who has served, set standards and carved a path, not just in Black history but British history.
Wendy Lewis-Mollineau – first British female Calypso Monarch, Patricia Gallan – Deputy Asst. Commissioner of Police, Metropolitan Police, Janet Browne – Curator at V&A museum, Doreen Lawrence – Campaigner for justice and Yolanda Brown – saxophonist and composer.
The 31 selected are; Mary Seacole for services to nursing during the Crimean War, Baroness Valerie Amos, British politician, diplomat and director at SOAS, Bertha Joseph, Notting Hill Carnival Pioneer and first Black female Mayor of Brent, Rianna Scipio, first black female TV presenter, Dianne Abbott, first Black female MP in British politics, Claudia Jones, Activist and founder of the West Indian Gazette, Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary General, Sade, British vocalist, Beverly Knight, British soul singer, Sanchia Alasia, first Caribbean female mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Janet Kay, British Queen of Lovers Rock, Naomi Campbell, first British Black model to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine, Dr Micelle Yaa Assentewa, author and historian, Gloria Cummins, Notting Hill Carnival pioneer, Brenda Emanus, Broadcast journalist, Marcia McLaughlin, owner and founder of Phoenix Newspaper, Angela Cox, Director of Miss T&T UK and the Carivog franchise UK, Anne Fridal, Soprano extraordinaire and creator of Calypsopera, Debra Romain, Pan Diva, Selena Carty, founder of Black Poppy Rose, Ebony Rainford-Brent, ICC World Cup winning team 2009, Eniola Aluko British football player, Margaret CasleyHayford - Action Aid, Margaret Bushby – Publisher, Jessica Huntley – activist, publisher, Carmen Munroe – actress,
There are many more black females doing extraordinary things in every walk of life in Britain that often go unmentioned or unrecognised, but it does not stop them from doing what they do, neither does it rob them of that identify and sense of satisfaction. We salute those silent ones and, urge you to keep the flames of knowledge alive, for even the faintest of flicker in the dark will act as a beacon for others to follow.
Mary Seacole -Services to nursing during the Crimean War and Baroness Valerie Amos – Politician, Diplomat and Director of SOAS.
Bertha Joseph – Carnival Pioneer and Former mayor of Brent and Rianna Scipio – First black female TV personality 12
Dianne Abbott MP, Beverly Knight- R&B singer and Janet Kay – Queen of Lovers Rock
Ebony Rainford- Brent - Cricketer and Naomi Campbell - Model
Jessica Huntley – Activist and CoFounder of Bogle L’Overture Publishing
Claudia Jones – Activist and Founder of the West Indian Gazette 13
Gloria Cummins – Carnival Pioneer and Margaret Casely-Hayford – Chair, Action Aid
Marcia McLaughlin – Founder of Phoenix New sparer, Brenda Emanus – Broadcast Journalist and Dr Michelle Yaa Assentawa – Author and Historian
Carmen Munroe – Actress and Anne Fridal – Soprano and creator of CalypsOpera
14
Debra Romain-Eden – Pan Diva and Sade - Vocalist
Eniola Aluko – British Footballer and Snachia Alasia – First female Caribbean mayor of Barking and Dagenham
15
Patricia Gullan – Dep Asst Commissioner of Police, Metropolitan Police Service
Doreen Lawrence – Campaigner and Patricia Scotland – Commonwealth Secretary General
Wendy Lewis Mollineau – First British Female Calypso Monarch and Selena Carty – Founder of Black Poppy Rose 16
Angela Cox – Director Carivog International (UK) and Miss T&T UK and Janet Browne – Curator at V&A museum London
Margaret Bushby – Publisher and Yolanda Brown – Saxophonist and Composer
17
Miss T&T UK 2018 Diva, Debra Romain-Eden, calypso by the reigning London Calypso Monarch De Admiral with his winning rendition of the Windrush Generation, T&T’s own soprano diva Anne Fridal mesmerised the audience with tree jazz numbers while Joan Achong displayed displayed her vocal versatility and former Miss T&T Chandani Persaud entertained with a display of Indian dancing. Caroline Muraldo also performed a choreographed number to David Rudder’s Trini to de Bone as young Jada Marsh showed her prowess marrying classical and Soca on the violin. One moving moment of elation was Miss T&T UK 2018 Leeann Goddard
The Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK 2018 Cultural Showcase was held in London on Saturday 29th September where the Miss T&T UK was crowned under the patronage of the High Commissioner to London, His Excellency Orville London. The title of Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK went to Leeann Goddard representing Couva. The event coincided with a celebration of Republic Day of Trinidad and Tobago which is celebrated on 24 September. The pageant was truly a representation of the twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago with featured steelpan music by London Pan
Miss Talented Teen 2018 Jada Marsh
when technology failed the DJ as he battled to get the national anthem to play. Patriotic Trinbagonians sang the national anthem in the absence of the recording. The High Commissioner Hiss Excellency Orville London in his address said: “it was very heart-warming to see the commitment of Trinidad and Tobago nationals in the Diaspora.” Runner up Carla Jean Lares
18
evening gowns and danced across the stage in carnival costumes and fielded questions before a winner was adjudicated. Judges for the evening was Ken Chung, Ann Farell, Sophia Joseph, Jimmy Young, Kelly Gangadeen, Pax Nindi and Victoria Lenzoi Lee. Also picking up awards on the evening for their services to Miss T&T UK was Alafair Celestine and Donna Phillip-Forde while Jada Marsh scooped the title of Talented Teen 2018. Comperes on the night, Giselle Carter and Smokey Joe.
Chandani Persaud
Carivog International, the event organisers admitted there were many challenges that created obstacles for the continuation of the event but “this year was made possible by our passion to embrace any challenge, not give up but, together as one…promoting the arts and culture of Trinidad and Tobago and developing and strengthening partnerships and collaboration with others of a similar vision and goals.”
Congratulations to Miss T&T UK Leeann Goddard
Miss T&T UK and Carivog International supports the charity KIND (Kids In Need of Direction)
Pan Diva, Debra Romain-Eden
For more information about the charity contact: kind@kindkids.net admin.kind@mail.tt
The four delegates, Tineshia John, Fabbianne Howard, Leeann Goddard and Carla Jean Lares for Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK appeared in traditional dress, 19
20
In the framework of the Black history month Festival in Newnham this week's activities, visit our link on Eventbrite and get your free tickets to attend our events! The evening will feature readings of texts by key African Diasporic novelists, poets, short story writers, essayists, and playwrights followed by a Q&A session Canning Town Library 7-9pm Canning Town Library 21 18 Rathbone Market, Barking Rd E16 1EH
Things to do… The Politics Tours Political tours really are one of a kind. Our tours are an incredible way to get under the skin of a country – with firstrate access to people and places as well as great analysis and experts. With less emphasis on guides or ordinary tourism the tours are like being in a documentary film. You’ll go off the beaten track, meet incredible people from senior politicians to members of local communities. And at the same time, you’ll have a top journalist, diplomat or academic helping you out along the way.
Get into Culture Every Saturday at the Prince of Peckham. We will be running right through ’til the early hours fueled by turn up tunes, party hip-hop, R&B classics and afrobeats. And to top it off, entry is free. For more information visit www.princeofpeckham.com 020 7635 8844 clement@princeofpeckham.co.uk
***************************************
Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
You get to ask your own questions and make up your mind about some of the most fascinating areas in the world. It’s unique, exciting and stimulating; an experience you will never forget. Our customers frequently say it is something they could not do on their own. And with nearly all costs included in the tour price – except for your flights – they say it is great value for your money.
100 feet underground and with wall 10foot thick, it was developed by the British government in the event of a nuclear attack. From here the military and government could run the region. It was built under great secrecy and under strict military supervision where villagers and contractors alike knew nothing about wat was being concealed in the hillside in Essex.
info@politicaltours.com +44843 289 2349 *************************************
Kelendon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker Essex. CM15 OLA www.secretnuclearbunker.com email: Mike@japarish.com 01277 364883
Flight Simulator Experience Find a fantastic Flight Simulator Experience gift for a friend or even treat yourself. We have a variety of experiences including Flight Simulator, Boeing 737 Flight Simulator 20 minute flight and Boeing 737 Flight Simulator - 30 minute flight. Prices start from £159 https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk /flight-simulator
22
Things to do…cont’d RIBA There are a number of public events held here throughout the year. Book online at architecture.com/whatson
African Diaspora Writing with Sandra Agar
October 20 Architectural Photo Walk: London’s Creekside and Laban Building.
In the framework of the Black history month Festival in Newnham this week's activities, visit our link on Eventbrite and get your free tickets to attend our events!
Royal Institute of British Archtecture 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD T: 020 7580 5533
The evening will feature readings of texts by key African Diasporic novelists, poets, short story writers, essayists, and playwrights followed by a Q&A session Canning Town Library 7-9pm Canning Town Library 18 Rathbone Market, Barking Rd E16 1EH
*************************************
Sisters of Sound
Black is the New Black Exhibition
In the framework of the Black History month Festival in Newnham, this week's activities, visit our link on Eventbrite and get your free tickets to attend our events JOIN US this week for the AMAZING exhibition: “Sister of Sound” … A Hidden image from the 3rd to the 31st October Stratford Library London photographer Sharon Douglas offers a beautiful gaze on Female contribution in the sound system culture 9.30 – 8pm daily 1 – 5pm Sat & Sun Stratford Library 3 The Grove, E13 1EL
A new exhibition featuring photographic portraits of icons such as Trevor McDonald, Naomi Campbell and Les Ferdinand celebrating black British achievement. The exhibition brings together exceptional figures from the world of politics, business, culture, religion and science in black British society. Black is the New Black Exhibition runs from September 2018 until 27th January 2019. National Portrait Gallery St Martins Place, London WC2 0HE Admission Free
23
Book Recommendation. Voices of The Windrush Generation Voices of the Windrush Generation is a powerful collection of stories from the men, women and children of the Windrush generation - West Indians who emigrated to Britain between 1948 and 1971 in response to labour shortages, and in search of a better life. Edited by journalist and bestselling author David Matthews, this book paints a vivid portrait of what it meant for those who left the Caribbean for Britain during the early days of mass migration. Through his own, and many other stories, Matthews explores: why and how so many people came to Britain after World War II, their hopes and dreams, the communities they formed and the difficulties they faced being separated from family and friends while integrating into an often, hostile society. We hear how lives were transformed, and what became of the generations that followed, taking the reader right up to the present day, and the impact of the current Windrush deportation scandal upon everyday people. At once a nostalgic treasure trove of human interest, which unearths the real stories behind the headlines, and a celebration of black British culture, Voices of the Windrush Generation is an absorbing and important book that gives a platform to voices that need to be heard.
24
Helen Bermingham -Artist-
Bermingham’s work has been exhibited across the UK and Europe including Geddes Gallery, Universität der Kunste Berlin, Zeitgeist Arts Project, Collyer Bristow Gallery, Angus Hughes Gallery, No Format Gallery, Charlie Smith London, Simmons and Simmons. She has also been longlisted for Solo Award, Chiara Williams Contemporary and shortlisted for the Denton’s Art Prize where a selection of here work is currently on exhibition.
Maelstrom II 2017 Oil on paper
Helen Bermngham is a London based artist who completed a degree in Art History and Theatre at Trinity College, Dublin and a postgraduate at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Helen works from remembered landscapes evoking familiarity of memory where her narratives appear blurring and disrupting playing on a psychological transition through paint where memories are both disappearing and appearing. Her ideas create new worlds where figures occupy old memories. Her use of technique compliments her work as depicted in her pieces titled Fictionscape. Her use of ‘half-remembered landscapes are transformed into psychological spaces’ (Re) Stranger 2018 Oil on paper while abstract faces recall a partly forgotten figure in her pieces both titled (Re) Stranger.
25
Remembrance‌What to remember? Why we need to remember? In this continuous rise of the technological age, there is still so much that we are yet to reach with a swipe of downloading of an apt.
help us all to gain insight into who we believe we are. BlackPoppyRose was designed to support our Remembrance and to give us an uncensored voice to be able to share a narrative still yet to be respected.
HIStory, My Story, Your Story, three different interpretations of events that occur at the same time, yet the narratives are very different.
Language Campaign We aim to reach as many communities as we can to start talking about more shared histories to find more solutions to develop.
2018 marks the 70th year the SS Windrush docked at Tilbury Docks, Tilbury, Essex. Bringing West India men and women whom paid passage to come to the UK on invitation, to assist in the rebuilding of the Mother Country after World War II. This year also marks the end of World War I, 11th November 1918. This war like World War II had an impact on the entire globe. Men, women and children were seriously impacted by these turns of events, led by European powers was manned by every race.
We all speak different languages and execute our cultures in several way. We want to give a voice to those who do not have one. Will you help us? Our families all contribution in some way as 100 years ago there had to be a living relative of yours alive, for you to be here today! FACT! Do you know? Have you ever wondered? BlackPoppyRose aims to assist to the unearthing of ALL the narratives to enable us to have a global conversation about what has and still is happening to our communities.
Did you ever wonder why the war was fought in Africa? Ever wonder why men were mobilized from the colonies? Why women all over the world had to look after their families alone? Why children had to live/die without an understanding what the reason for such immense loss?
For further information contact: info@blackpoppyrose.org www.blackpoppyrose.org
Africa is a continent, not a singular country. The West Indies are made up of several islands and countries. All have a different viewpoint, cultural reference point and narrative. Each we are trying to give a platform for remembrance and healing. Several generations all over the world know nothing or very little about the contributions made by African/Black/West India/Pacific islanders’ communities.
Selena Carty Founder BlackPoppyRose
History is a tool used to empower and provide a platform for growth and reflection. Knowing events, contributions, developments and more 26
Africa’s Baby Boom While President Donald Trump is desperately trying to secure nomination for sexual misconduct accused, Brett Kavanaugh into the Supreme Court and, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro dines on $100 rib-eyed steak in Istanbul as his country plunges into the abyss of a malnourished economy, not to mention, Britain’s woes with Brexit. Africa is currently experiencing a baby boom according to the UN Population Division. It is estimated that by 2050 Africa will have 2.2bn people, three times as many as Europe, increasing to 4bn by 2100. In Tanzania, the current fertility rate is at 4.9 compared with Europe’s 1.6 and there is speculation that Africa’s high birth is ‘keeping the continent poor.’ In 1978, in a paper tilted Principles of Population, Thomas Malthus suggested that the human population was bound to increase faster than the supply of food, leading to catastrophe, four decades later and, the onset of the green revolution the fear is not a shortage of food, but more that babies will retard their development.
such as Botswana have seen a reduction to 2.6, down from 6.6 in the 60s. Birth rates are also dropping in Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia and Rwanda. According to the Centre for Global Development, wealthier people ‘desired and had smaller families’ whereas the poor wanted larger ones.’ The reduction in birth rates in these countries was down to education and the effective use of contraceptives. Surveys in Kenya suggested that 53% of married women used effective contraception in 2014 compared to 23% in 2003. The optimism for education and for more girls to go to school has increased as, it has been found that the more girls that go to school in a country, the lower the birth rate. The World Bank found that African politicians need to do more to create and provide better schools, investment in family planning and investment in people. Sadly, quality governments to implement and foster change is still lacking, and child marriages continues to be stubbornly persistent which hampers the prospect of a lower fertility rate soon.
Tanzania president, John Magufuli in a statement back in 2016 announced that state schools would be free, saying to women to throw away contraceptives. In September this year he said, “contraceptives were a sign of parental laziness.” Magufuli said Tanzania must not follow Europe where widespread contraception is shrinking the labour force. However, the Economist suggest that Tanzania’s children will weigh on its economy. The dependency ratio tells a different story. The population where those ‘younger than 20 and older than 64’ versus the population between ages are 129:100 in Sub-Saharan Africa while compared to 65:100 in Europe.
David Kalloo Photo courtesy Africahealth.com
Research have shown that humanity overall is becoming wealthier, but birth rates are higher in poorer countries, especially where poverty and sickness are harder to eradicate.’ While some parts of the African continent are experiencing a boom in fertility other places 27
Issue 50
28